June 29, 2017

Chicago Releases Pharmaceutical Representative Disclosure Log Draft

The City of Chicago recently released a draft of the disclosure log pharmaceutical representatives will be expected to use to keep track of the interactions they have with Chicago physicians. The form requires pharmaceutical representatives to log the following information with respect to any interactions they have with physicians within city limits: HCP first name; HCP middle initial/name; HCP last name; HCP name suffix (i.e., Jr.); HCP primary business address; HCP license type (i.e., MD, DO, etc.); HCP state license number; HCP NPI (if applicable); date of interaction; location of interaction; duration of interaction; pharmaceuticals promoted; whether drug samples were provided, and if so, the quantity of samples given and the value of such samples; whether pharmaceutical-related materials were given, if so, the value of the materials given; and whether any other items of value or compensation were given, if so, what type and the combined value of other items.

The log includes instructions, which state,

Use one line per interaction. An interaction is any instance in which you communicate with an HCP as part of your work as a pharmaceutical representative, whether in person, over the phone, via video conference, by email, or via another communications method, as well as any time you leave materials or samples for that HCP, even if you do not communicate personally. However, you do not need to report a telecommunication or written communication if it was done simply to set up a meeting or other communication with an HCP and no marketing or promotion took place. It is not necessary to include time spent in a waiting room before meeting an HCP when reporting the duration of the interaction. If the options in any of the dropdown menus do not provide a perfect description of the contact, select the closest option. However, if the "HCP license type" dropdown menu does not include the license type of the HCP with whom you interacted, you do not need to disclose the interaction at all. If you interact with multiple HCPs at one time, for example through a dinner or entertainment event with several doctors, include a line for each HCP. If you cannot precisely break down the number of items or amount of compensation that went to each HCP because you provided them as a set to multiple HCPs, please report the average amount per HCP by dividing the number of items and the compensation value by the total number of HCPs. For instance, if you give a box of 50 samples to two HCPs jointly, mark down 25 apiece. For group meals or other forms of compensation that you provide to HCPs and non-HCPs jointly — like a lunch for a medical office that includes four HCPs and one receptionist — figure out the per-person cost and report that for each HCP. For instance, if you were to provide that office (four HCPs, one receptionist) with a $100 lunch, you would report $20 in food and beverages for each HCP.

The instructions are quite interesting and actually create more questions than they answer. While the next box explains that only interactions that take place while both parties are within the Chicago city limits should be reported, does that mean licensed representatives in Chicago have to disclose emails to physicians if both parties are within city limits when the email chain is started? What if the emails continue, after one party exits city limits?

The proposed disclosure form is draconian and adds unnecessary requirements for Chicago pharmaceutical representatives and the physicians they interact with.